The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) proudly welcomes six esteemed professionals into the 2024 Class of the DBIA College of Fellows. Achieving Fellow status in DBIA is no small feat; the honor is reserved for industry leaders who have not only achieved remarkable success in advancing design-build but have also made lasting contributions that elevate the entire profession.
Induction into the DBIA College of Fellows is a rigorous, highly selective process. Candidates must demonstrate significant achievements in promoting and advancing design-build best practices, as well as an enduring commitment to innovation, collaboration and public service. Fellows bring exceptional expertise and insight that uniquely positions them to influence the industry’s future and promote the growth of design-build across new sectors and communities.
“Design-build is the fastest growing and most popular segment of our nation’s construction industry, and DBIA is leading the way in advancing Design-Build Done Right®,” said DBIA College of Fellows Chancellor Bill Hasbrook, MEMS, TCFM, FDBIA. “Much of that success is driven by the incredible leadership of design-build innovators like this new slate of Fellows. DBIA is proud to honor the contributions made by these impressive professionals and welcome them into the College of Fellows. Well earned!”
Meet the 2024 DBIA Fellows
Baabak Ashuri, Ph.D., FDBIA
As a professor at Georgia Tech, Dr. Ashuri’s research has been instrumental in shaping design-build standards and educational programs nationwide. With over two decades dedicated to industry research, curriculum development and professional instruction, he has trained countless professionals in DBIA’s principles, fueling the next generation of design-build innovators.
Andrew James Carlson, AIA, FDBIA
Carlson’s leadership within Oklahoma’s public sector has been transformative, helping to secure legislative support for design-build adoption. As Chief of Plans and Construction for the Oklahoma Military Department, he applies DBIA’s Design-Build Done Right® principles to critical public projects, demonstrating design-build’s value and efficacy to stakeholders at all levels.
Michael Courtney, CCM, FDBIA
Courtney’s pioneering work on some of California’s earliest design-build projects has paved the way for broad adoption in the state. His legacy includes billions of dollars in completed projects, along with standard contract models that continue to support effective project delivery. His involvement with the DBIA Western Pacific Region Board further strengthens design-build’s role in shaping California’s infrastructure.
Ben Dzioba, PE, PMP, FDBIA
Dzioba’s extensive experience managing complex projects across sectors has made him a trusted leader in the industry. With over $2 billion in completed design-build projects, he has contributed to best practices and legislative advocacy, while his mentorship and committee work inspire the future leaders of the profession.
Rebekah Gladson, FAIA, AUA, FDBIA
Gladson’s career is a testament to design-build’s transformative potential. Her work at UC Irvine helped introduce design-build for vertical projects, including California’s first public hospital delivered via design-build. Her mentorship and advisory roles continue to shape the field, expanding design-build’s reach to new types of projects and markets.
Daniel Rawlins, RA, FDBIA
Rawlins has been a crucial advocate for DBIA’s standards, impacting more than 100 projects through his leadership in design, architecture and Owner Advisor roles. His contributions to DBIA’s curriculum and Indiana’s design-build legislation have empowered countless teams to adopt a collaborative, effective approach to project delivery.
DBIA’s College of Fellows is a vital resource for the industry, offering thought leadership, mentorship and guidance to promote design-build as a model for innovation and efficiency in project delivery. The insights and expertise of the 2024 Fellows will continue to support DBIA’s mission of transforming infrastructure, enhancing collaboration and delivering critical projects that benefit communities across the nation.
For more information on the DBIA College of Fellows, visit DBIA’s College of Fellows page.
